Warehouse data using SmartTE , capture data around each and every task that is executed throughout a warehouse .
This data provides the visibility to understand how your defined key metrics are performing , giving a clearer picture of where changes can be made to drive continuous improvement .
The data is right at the warehouse operators ’ fingertips . There is no need for complicated integration with business intelligence tools to reach it !
Measuring the data
For most warehouse operations the key driver is how quickly they can get goods in and out of the warehouse , so that is a critical metric to be tracked and monitored .
Equally important is measuring and understanding all the variables that impact this key metric , both positively and negatively . Understanding the performance of these workflows enables you to tweak them to optimize performance .
The data will highlight underperforming areas which need to be improved . For example , you may see that workers at ‘ Warehouse A ’ are slower than in other locations . Drilling down into the data could show that these workers are using older devices and access points are causing more interruptions .
Data visibility with low-risk changes
You can make small , and importantly low risk changes , such as providing training to workers , upgrading devices , or trialing new technology such as automation and wearable devices , etc ., and then measure the impact of that change to gauge its effectiveness .
The data will highlight if performance has improved therefore , driving improvement of the key metric . It is possible to quickly roll back changes that do not drive improvement and leave in place those that do . Understanding what has and what has not worked helps to build confidence in data-driven decision making , driving the identification of the next target for improvement .
The right software platform delivers a low-risk , low-cost and low-disruption toolkit which allows the measurement of key performance metrics .
Visibility of this data and the impact it has on key metrics provides an accurate picture of how a warehouse operation is performing and drives continuous improvement of business processes . Warehouse operators can make data-driven informed decisions which ensure they are always focusing on measuring the critical metrics – those that affect the bottom line .
Don ’ t underestimate the power of your data – put it to work ! ■
Padraig Regan www . staylinked . com
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It ’ s all about the continuous improvement of your business
Padraig Regan is Chief Product Officer , StayLinke ., a market leader in terminal emulation ( TE ) solutions for the supply chain industry , headquartered in California , US with an innovation center in Oxfordshire , UK . Its no-code technology adoption platform , Evolve , is transforming how supply chain organizations and warehouse operations adopt new technologies .
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